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What is the Difference Between a Straight Razor and a Safety Razor?

Razors can be one of the most handy tools for keeping up neat appearances – but if you’ve thought that all razors are create equal, then you better think again! In reality, there are several different kinds of razors which deliver different results and require different processes. Two of the most popular are the straight razor and the safety razor, both great choices for daily shaving. Want to know more about the key differences between these two popular razor types? Then check out the list below. It contains some useful information to help you choose what kind of razor is best for you.

Size of Blade

One important difference between safety razors and straight-edge razors is the length of the blade. The straight razor, which was invented and originally used before the safety razor, is made of one long, straight blade that is attached to a handle and pivots in and out. The safety razor is more reminiscent of a plastic cartridge razor you can buy at any drugstore today; it has a short blade affixed to the top of a longer handle, which you hold when you shave your face.

Method of Use

Shaving with a straight razor requires a different shaving technique than a safety razor. Shaving with a straight razors requires you to rest three fingers on the back of the blade, your thumb on the side of the blade, and your pinky on the tang (the “handle” part of the razor) – then use the razor to gently shave the hair and shaving cream off of your face. In order to shave with a safety razor, you must hold on its designated handle, like you do a plastic cartridge, gently shave your facial hair (lathered with shaving cream) with the razor nearly perpendicular to your face, with as little pressure as possible.

Safety

The name might tip you off, but safety razors tend to be a bit safer to use than a straight edge razor, although both take some mastering of technique. With a safety razor, the device itself restricts how much of the blade can touch your face and at what angle; with a straight edge razor, you are in complete control of what angle you are shaving and with how much of the blade, upping the risk of cutting your face.

Other Tools Required

Both straight-edge and safety razors require a shaving brush, soap or cream to shave with. But the straight-edge razor requires more tools in order to keep it prepped for a shave. First, with a straight razor you might also a hone, which helps restore the blade’s teeth after they are worn down. Straight razors also require strops – which smooths out a blade after it’s been sharpened on a strop.

No matter which blade you choose to shave with, both the straight razor and the double-edge safety razor are classy options to shave your face with, and with some practice and learning of technique, you can get a clean, close shave in no time!